Mobilizing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in narwhal management through community empowerment A Case Study in Naujaat, Nunavut

Transcription

1 Mobilizing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in narwhal management through community empowerment A Case Study in Naujaat, Nunavut Erin Keenan, Lucia Fanning, and Chris Milley May 28, 2018 Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University Fish-WIKS Partnership Project

2 Fisheries Western and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Fish-WIKS) Research Goals: 1. Understand how knowledge is obtained, valued, shared and used in different knowledge systems in each of 4 regions across Canada 2. Identify commonalities and differences across the regions and systems 3. Examine how knowledge systems influences fisheries governance at multiple levels. 4. Understand how distinct IKSs can improve current efforts.

3 What is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit? Inuit worldview encompassing language, history, decision-making, social organization, values, and knowledge Experiential way of knowing developed over centuries by generations of Inuit living on the land

4 Context Importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into resource management decision-making has been widely acknowledged Existing narwhal management system in Nunavut does not fully integrate IQ into decision-making Mobilization of IQ requires empowerment of Inuit in management system

5 Research Question How can a narwhal management regime which enables the mobilization of IQ be established in Nunavut?

6 Methods Literature review Six week visit to Iqaluit and Naujaat (June-July 2015) Conducted ten in-person interviews with narwhal management stakeholders Consulted with hamlet council, Arviq Hunters and Trappers Organization Shared preliminary results with community via public radio ca.epodunk.com

7 1) How are narwhal currently managed?

8 Inuit knowledge sharing practices Hunters and Trappers Organizations Regional Wildlife Organizations Nunavut Wildlife Management Board Government of Nunavut Decisions Inuit Associations POLITICS Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO SCIENCE FISHERIES ACT Marine Mammal Regulations NUNAVUT LAND CLAIMS AGREEMENT

9 2) How do existing management methods influence the use of IQ? IQ Concepts relating to narwhal harvesting take only what you need Respect for experience Slower pace of hunting Knowledge passed on through families

10 2) How do existing management methods influence the use of IQ? Impacts of government regulation: Rushed pace of hunting More competition between hunters Traditional pace of winter preparations altered Limits opportunities for transmitting IQ

11 3) What would be the ideal relationship between management and IQ? Language of management Need for improved communication and information sharing between levels of management Importance of government regulation, new context for IQ Community-based management

12 Recommendations Improve communication between high-level management and community stakeholders Promote knowledge-sharing Create equitable knowledge-sharing partnerships Situate more decision-making power with local management authorities (RWO, HTO)

13 Acknowledgements Fish-WIKS Partnership Project, especially: Lucy Tegumiar, Laura Addicott Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Hamlet of Naujaat Arviq Hunters and Trappers Organization Government of Nunavut Department of Environment, Fisheries and Sealing Division, especially Janelle Kennedy and Sarah Arnold Parks Canada Staff at Ukkusiksalik National Park

14 Further information: Keenan, E., Fanning, L., and Milley, C Mobilizing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in narwhal management through community empowerment: A case study in Naujaat, Nunavut. Arctic 71(1): ekeenan@wwfcanada.org